Rave: homemade “Pearl Paste” + Hpjrt's Recipes
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free skin care · Wed Nov 08, 2006 2:26 pm

A while back, HPJRT was kind enough to send me a couple samples of her homemade Silk/Pearl Powder and Pearl Paste to give to my mom to use (she suffers from Rosecea). My mom LOVED both items so when she finished her samples, I took Mary’s recipes for both items and made a batch of each for my mom.

This last time, I decided to try the Pearl Paste for myself because – even though my skin is VERY oily and I’ve NEVER used a traditional facial moisturizer on a regular basis in my life before – sometimes I get a bit dry/flaky in a certain area of my face and I thought Pearl Powder might be the answer because it is “self-adjusting” (i.e.: provides moisture where it is needed, doesn’t add any where it’s not). My skin is never left feeling overly dry or overly greasy – to me, it evens out my skintone so that it is just right.

Now let’s answer the inevitable question, “Why pearl powder?”

First and foremost, pearl powder is believed to promote healthy, lustrous skin. Although it is not recognized by the US Food and Drug Administration for having any cosmoceutical benefits, it is an “ancient Chinese secret” (if I may borrow that tired old quote from the old laundry-detergent booster TV commercials from the 70s) that is an established part of the non-traditional Chinese herbal medicine (I know there’s a proper name of this practice but it’s completely escaping me at the moment Confused

)

After having used Mary’s Pearl Paste for approximately one month now, I can completely attest to the fact that the Chinese REALLY know what they’re talking about!

This is a quote from JenJu.com regarding pearl powder:

“Pearl powder contains about 18 amino acids and over a dozen minerals, including 10 essential amino acids necessary for the human body to heal and maintain cell nutrition. These essential building blocks of collagen and protein each has a specific function. Deficiency of any one of these key amino acids causes the skin to look coarse, depleted, old and wrinkled.”

Here are some of the benefits of using pearl powder on the skin (compiled from various sources but put into my own words so as not to plagiarize):

• It has anti-flammatory and calming properties which help reduce redness and swelling caused by acne outbreaks;
• It is a detoxifying which helps draw impurities to the surface of the skin;
• Improve circulation and activate cellular regeneration and renewal to heal;
• Enhance elasticity;
• Protects from environmental radicals;
• Regulates skin discoloration;
• Smooths and refines skin texture;
• Minimizes appearance of pores;
• Minimizes appearance of fine lines and scars;
• Leaves skin appearing smoother and brighter;

Here is the basic recipe for Mary’s Pearl Paste on which I based my own version:

Basic Pearl Paste Recipe

What you need:
--------------------------------------------
• Electric mixer;
• Two small jars (preferably tinted or opaque glass);
• 3 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons distilled water;
• 3 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons aloe vera gel;
• 4 Vitamin-E capsules, pierced;
• 60 drops hyaluronic acid concentrate, optional;
• ½ teaspoon Propylene Glycol (may substitute vegetable glycerin, if desired);
• ½ teaspoon 70% “rubbing” alcohol (may substitute good quality witch hazel, if desired);
• 5-10 drops of preferred essential oil/s, optional;
• 5 teaspoons ground pearl powder.

What you do:
--------------------------------------------
Combine all liquid ingredients in a clean glass or cup then measure amount of pearl powder into a small bowl or container then gradually pour in liquid ingredients while mixing with an electric mixer (like you would make a cake batter – in fact, it’s sort of the same consistency of cake batter!).

Transfer mixture into two jars (preferably glass and especially preferably tinted or opaque). Store one in fridge for future use and the other is ready for use.

If your skin is on the drier side and you feel the need additional moisture, you can add a teaspoon of your favorite carrier oil (i.e.: Rose Hip, Jojoba, Emu, HempSeed Oil) to the liquid ingredients during the mixing process.

Please note: initially, this mixture may seem too “thin” but if you allow it to sit for a couple of hours, the pearl powder absorbs all of the liquid and thickens into a paste. DO NOT be tempted to add more pearl powder to the recipe because your pearl paste will instead turn into a pearl rock!! Trust me on this, I learned the hard way.... Embarassed

In addition, while there are most likely other websites from which basic pearl powder can be purchased, both Mary and I order ours from TKB Trading website. They have great prices and fabulous customer service, BUT we feel that the particle sizes (5 microns) of their pearl powder is a bit large and irregular to use directly on the face so we recommend that you either run your pearl powder through a coffee grinder to make it into a finer-textured powder, or else use your mortar and pestle to do so.

How to use it:
--------------------------------------------

Cleanse/tone face as usual. Apply any treatment serums, if desired. Then smooth on thin layer of pearl paste over entire face, avoiding eye and lip area. Followup with your desired moisturizer*.

*While I believe that Mary applies a traditional facial moisturizer on top of her pearl paste, I use it in lieu of a traditional moisturizer because the oil factory sometimes known as my face produces more than enough “moisture” of its own! I’ve found that if I use a traditional moisturizer on my face, I’m more than likely to wake up the next morning with a surprise blemish and/or a face full of grease.

But the Pearl Paste's inherent self-adjusting properties ensures it gives the right amount of hydration to my few-and-far-between dry areas (on me, it's just under my eyes on either side of my nose) while balancing out my oily areas so that I wake up with skin that feels matte, yet not dry or tight -- which is a wonder in and of itself....

Of course, there are probably hundreds of other methods or recipes for incorporating pearl powder into your skin-care regimen but regardless of whether you decide to make yourself some Pearl Paste or Mary’s Silk/Pearl Primer (click here to read about her experiment with this and BE’s Rare Minerals: http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=15674&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0&sid=d8b8e808c401c50d910a7b11a0fddde4) or one of these other simple recipes, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you find some way to add it to your routine because the benefits are simply amazing!

Because pearl powder can feel gritty or sticky on its own, it is recommended that it be added to any water soluble face-care application such as masks, lotions, liquid foundations, moisturizers and similar topical products. The simplest method is to incorporate 1/4 teaspoon ground pearl powder into your regular aspirin or other favorite homemade mask recipe and apply mask as usual.

Here’s another idea:

INSTANT ZIT BUSTER – Pierce one Vitamin-E capsule and mix 0.30 grams of pearl powder with the Vit-E oil and a couple drops of ACV vinegar then apply mixture to pimple and leave in for about 20 minutes before rinsing with tepid water.

Once you get the hang of making the basic Pearl Paste, experiment with adding or substituting other ingredients to customize the formula to fit your skin's own unique characteristics and needs.

free skin care · Wed Nov 08, 2006 2:41 pm

I saw a recommendation for pearl powder somewhere else too. But where do you get it for a reasonable price? It looks terribly expensive. I've found everything from $30 to $100 for a mere ounce!

free skin care · Wed Nov 08, 2006 3:23 pm

Carrie.... can you make some for me toooooo?

free skin care · Wed Nov 08, 2006 3:25 pm

OMGosh!!!! Last spring I was all over the web, trying to find a DIY to make my own pearl powder..

And I kid you not, just last week I was at it again.. And then Carrie, you post here, that there's a recipe for it posted! I must have totally over looked it... I searched here, but you know the lovely search function here, isn't always helpful..

Now I know it's here, I have to find it! If someone has the link, or can direct me, I'd appreciate the help...

free skin care · Wed Nov 08, 2006 4:09 pm

Kiki, are oyu looking for the powder too? I found it at TKB for $7 an ounce. I'd post a link, but I'm still a baby.

I'm confused b/c I saw it on an asian import site for nearly $30 an ounce. I'm sure there is a reason for the big difference in price, but I can't figure out what it is....maybe carrie or someone else can help us.

free skin care · Wed Nov 08, 2006 7:38 pm

Angyl, you have a PM...

free skin care · Wed Nov 08, 2006 10:41 pm

Carekate, Do I understand correctly that you leave the pearl powder mix on your face then apply moisturizer over it(for those of us w/dry mature skin)?
Do you wait any length of time between the pearl powder and moisturizer applications? Thanks.

free skin care · Thu Nov 09, 2006 1:26 am

here's the links for the pearl powder: http://www.tkbtrading.com/item.php?item_id=314 and http://www.tkbtrading.com/item.php?item_id=525

free skin care · Thu Nov 09, 2006 4:38 am

It sounds absolutely lovely.

I'm definitely going to go for it, and make some.

Thankyou

free skin care · Thu Nov 09, 2006 8:30 am

So, if we don't want to attempt to make that we can throw some in an aspirin mask?

free skin care · Thu Nov 09, 2006 8:38 am

tkb has a minimum order of 15 dollars, so I guess I gotta get two. Laughing

free skin care · Thu Nov 09, 2006 8:53 am

amaska wrote:

Carrie.... can you make some for me toooooo?

FYI - I've added it to your list of items, I should be able to complete your stuff this weekend.

free skin care · Thu Nov 09, 2006 9:56 am

Thanks Carrie!

I've been using my Pearl Paste recipe since last February or March ... when I first concocted the mixture. I've been very pleased with the results. Smile

Initially I did use another moisturizer [generally Jojoba or Rose Hip Seed Oil] on top of the Pearl Paste ... but then I hit upon the idea of adding Rose Hip Seed Oil [or jojoba] into the basic Pearl Paste recipe for the "Rich Pearl Paste" ... and, depending upon the weather, I use the Basic ... or the Rich version as my only moisturizers.

In the hot, humid months of summer, I use the Basic one most of the time ... and now that it's fall in Canada, and the heat is on in the house, the Rich version seems to be all I need. Very Happy

The recipe really sounds more daunting than it is. Believe me ... if I came up with it ... it's not difficult! Laughing

And you're right Carrie ... once you get the hang of making the "basic" recipe, adjusting and experimenting is easy.

Thanks for the review Carrie ... and I'm so glad that it's working for you!

Mary

free skin care · Thu Nov 09, 2006 9:59 am

I also have been using Mary's PP paste

for the last few weeks. I did "tweak" it a little, as I've been using it as a moisturizer, and I love this stuff! I must say that my face is smoother and really soft and healthy looking. I am still using my "traditional" skincare, but apply the pearl powder cream every nite before bed.
I agree with Carrie, that everyone should try to incorporate a little of this wonderful powder into their routine sometime during the day. You won't be disappointed! Very Happy

free skin care · Thu Nov 09, 2006 10:23 am

This looks great! Very simple and easy to make, will have to make a batch over the weekend. Thanks for the recipe!!!

free skin care · Thu Nov 09, 2006 10:33 am

How long does this keep for? Or rather, how long does a batch last everyone?

I'm going to order some, and feel awfully opulent putting pearls on my face! But hey, if it works...

free skin care · Thu Nov 09, 2006 11:06 am

Here's another source; don't know the micron size though

https://shop.gardenofwisdom.com/displayProductDocument.hg?productId=898

free skin care · Thu Nov 09, 2006 11:16 am

RazinKane wrote:

So, if we don't want to attempt to make that we can throw some in an aspirin mask?

That’s what a couple of the website I looked at while researching the benefits of pearl powder applied topically said, though I haven’t done it myself and therefore can’t attest to its effectiveness when used in this manner. Personally, I would think that one would reap more benefits by utilizing it in an application that is going to be in contact with one’s face for longer than the 15 minutes processing time of the typical face mask (i.e.: using it as the Pearl Paste or in a Pearl-based face powder), but it definitely couldn’t cause any harm to just add some to your aspirin mask mixture. Even if I’m right that the longer the pearl powder is in contact with one’s skin the better, applying it for just 15 minutes is better than not using it at all!

nomoreneckpain wrote:

Do I understand correctly that you leave the pearl powder mix on your face then apply moisturizer over it(for those of us w/dry mature skin)?

Correct. Although I don’t do this b/c I don’t wear an additional moisturizer, Mary said that this is the way she utilizes her Pearl Paste during the winter time (when her skin needs additional moisture).

nomoreneckpain wrote:

Do you wait any length of time between the pearl powder and moisturizer applications?

I don’t think it’s NECESSARY to wait between these applications, but you can experiment when you use it to see if it just FEELS better to wait a minute or two for the pearl paste to absorb/dry before applying your moisturizer or vice versa. You could even try mixing a bit of the pearl paste WITH your moisturizer and apply it that way. I think it’s just down to personal preference and what feels best for your skin....

I'm Kiki wrote:

Last spring I was all over the web, trying to find a DIY to make my own pearl powder..

And I kid you not, just last week I was at it again.. And then Carrie, you post here, that there's a recipe for it posted! I must have totally over looked it... I searched here, but you know the lovely search function here, isn't always helpful..

Now I know it's here, I have to find it! If someone has the link, or can direct me, I'd appreciate the help...

Alright, by popular demand:

HJPRT’s Basic Silk/Pearl Primer Powder Recipe

What you need:
--------------------------------------------
• Small glass or plastic jar or container;
• 2 tablespoons Silk Powder;
• 1 tablespoon Pearl Powder;
• 1 ½ teaspoons titanium dioxide;
• 1 teaspoon Zinc Oxide

Note: all ingredients/items listed above can be ordered from TKB Trading website.

What you do:
--------------------------------------------
Combine all the ingredients together and place in jar. When I make my Silk Dust face powder, I sift my ingredients together using an ordinary flour sifter but this is not necessary if you make sure you mix the ingredients thoroughly....

Again, while there are most likely other websites from which basic pearl powder can be purchased, both Mary and I order ours from TKB Trading website. They have great prices and fabulous customer service, BUT we feel that the particle sizes (5 microns) of their pearl powder is a bit large and irregular to use directly on the face so we recommend that you either run your pearl powder through a coffee grinder to make it into a finer-textured powder, or else use your mortar and pestle to do so.

Just keep testing the ground powder with your fingertips and as soon as all the “sharp” bits are gone, you’ll know you’ve ground it finely enough.

How to use it:
--------------------------------------------
I think Mary sweeps on a thin layer before she goes to bed (in the same manner that one would apply BE’s Rare Minerals – again, check that link I provided in my original post to details of Mary’s Rare Minerals experiment for more info.

This can probably also be used as a makeup primer or finishing powder in the A.M., but you’d probably have to experiment to see what sort of coverage (or lack thereof) it provides.*.

Note: this Silk/Pearl Primer Powder is Mary’s (HPJRT) recipe. I have not made or used it, so if you have any questions about it, I may not be able to answer them! But I’m sure Mary will chime in and respond to any issues you may have.

Angyl wrote:

How long does this keep for? Or rather, how long does a batch last everyone?

You only use a tiny bit of the Pearl Paste for each application so one batch would last at least a 2-3 months, I would estimate (hence the reason you want to divide it into two batches and store one in the fridge until needed).

Also, if you order from TKB Trading: one of the “sample” packets yields about enough pearl powder to make one batch of Pearl Paste. If you’re planning on making it in bulk to give/sell to friends (which is actually a GREAT idea for stocking stuffers or to give as an thoughtful but inexpensive gift to those whom you’re obligated to buy something for but whom you don’t want to spend a fortune on – i.e.: coworkers, kids’ teachers, etc.), you probably want to go with the 1-oz or 4-oz sizes.

As someone previously pointed out, TKB Trading has a minimum order size (I think it’s $15), so while you’re ordering your Pearl Powder, you can also pick up a couple jars/containers and/or the ingredients to make the Silk/Pearl Primer Powder while you’re at it to help make your $15 minimum!

free skin care · Thu Nov 09, 2006 11:17 am

Hi Angyl,

The recipe that Carrie posted is the "double" recipe ... and that amount lasts me at least 3 months ... using it twice daily. If you don't want to make that much, just cut the recipe in half and start with a smaller amount.

The alcohol in the recipe is strictly as a preservative ... although I tend to keep it in the fridge anyway.

I suppose that you could use one of the commercial preservatives if you had it on hand ... but I didn't. Smile

I like the coolness of the pearl paste when it's kept in the fridge ... but I don't know if it's absolutely necessary.

HTH

Mary

free skin care · Sat Nov 11, 2006 12:37 pm

Thanks carekate. I guess maybe I won't bother with the aspirin. Maybe try to make it, but I'll probably put it off for a year. I am just no good at that sort of thing. Its probably due to my lack of patience.

free skin care · Thu Nov 16, 2006 10:26 pm

Help! I tried to make this tonight. First batch, i put the powder in the liquid. I ended up with water and gummy-ness.

The second one turned into many little rocks, which took about 15 minutes to work back into a lotion-like feel. Did I do something wrong?

Also, I found this recipe for a simple cream

1 tablespoon cocoa butter
2 tablespoons jojoba
1 tablespoon aloe vera gel

Do you think i could add the pearl powder to this? I see no reason it wouldn't work, but someone warn me before i use up the rest of mine!

free skin care · Fri Nov 17, 2006 7:40 am

Hi Angyl,

Sorry that you're having such trouble mixing this.

What did you use to mix it? I use an electric mixer ... or a blender.

I always add the liquid to the powder ... and I see that Carrie also put that under her procedure under the recipe. However, I've been working on a "toner/refresher" using pearl powder ... and I add the powder to the liquid for that.

You really need to mix it well ... and while a hand held frother would certainly work ... I like the blender or mixer because it's faster.

The Pearl Powder is water soluable ... so I don't know why your first attempt should have turned out badly.

Because the Pearl Powder is water soluable, it would never dissolve in the cream that you have listed ... you'd have to first dissolve it in water ... and then blend the cream into that ... but I'd do a little at a time.

I can't stress enough that once mixed, the Pearl Paste seems very "liquid" ... and that's how it should look initially. When you put this too-thin liquid into jars and let them sit for an hour or two, the pearl powder gets a chance to absorb all of the water and thickens up quite dramatically.

If the resultant Paste is too thick ... you can thin it with a few drops of hydrosol or distilled water ... stirring it well and letting it sit, again so that the pearl powder can absorb the liquid.

What you might want to try, since you're having trouble, is to add the liquid to the pearl powder gradually ... mixing thoroughly while doing this. This is where an electric mixer would be good.

Bear in mind that I don't add the Rose Hip Seed oil [or Jojoba oil ... or whichever oil you want] until the Pearl Paste is made and thickened. This is the only way that the oil will blend with the Paste. You want the paste to absorb the oil ... and it can't do that in it's more "liquid" state.

I hope this helps ... but if you're still having trouble, you can PM me.

Mary

free skin care · Fri Nov 17, 2006 1:11 pm

The second mix that initially turned into rocks did work out well and i used it before i went to bed. It was a little...mealy?

I think I might try a recipe in one of my books that has distilled water and dissolve the pearl powder in distilled water then mix it in with th rest of the ingredients. I'm just afraid it would turn into rocks...what makes it do that?

I have no idea what went wrong with the first batch. I put the goo in a jar with a little water in the fridge, maybe it's salvagable.

I'll tinker and let you know how it all works out. I figured it was my hand mixing that was the problem. Thanks.

free skin care · Fri Nov 17, 2006 1:58 pm

Hi again Angyl,

The one that you describe as "mealy" ... it sounds like there's not enough liquid in it. Try adding distilled water ... a few drops at a time and stir well. If it's still too "solid" then add a few drops more and stir well. Then let it sit to absorb.

I'm still trying to figure out how you got "goo" ... but it's difficult when I can't "see" it.

I just had a thought, however. When you are using Aloe Vera Gel ... are you using the cold pressed gel that comes straight from the plant ... the kind that's sold in Health Food stores ... or are you using the gel that comes from the drug store and has chemical thickeners in it?

If you're using the drug store type, that could well be the problem in terms of the mix. I use the Health Food Store type ... or conversely, you could cut a frond/leaf off of an Aloe plant and scrape the gel from inside. I mix this with boiled distilled water ... and then mix this liquid with the pearl powder.

That's the only way I can see that you might have had "goo" as a result. I don't know how water soluable the drug store type aloe vera gel is.

HTH

Mary

free skin care · Fri Nov 17, 2006 2:07 pm

Oh! Maybe that's it! I'm using Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera, which says it's 100%, but i notice has chemicals in it.

Should I be using an organic kind from the health food store? Like Aubrey?

I'm not sure what is up with the mealy one. It's more that the paste feels grainy, like the pearl powder hasn't really dissolved, but I think that's a result of the "pearl rock" situation I had earlier.

This is the other lotion I was talking about. It's out of a Janice Cox book.
1/2 teas. borax or baking soda
1/4 cup distilled water
1/2 cup avocado oil
1/2 tbsp beeswax

I'd prob. halve that, but it seems like it would be fantastic, as long as I can get hte peral powder ot behave!

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